Difference between Celibacy and Brahmacharya
Question
Respected Dhananjay,
These questions arose from your explanation of difference between being celibate and following a life of Brahmacharya. Could you throw more light on this aspect. Is it enough to be celibate and not follow the practices of a Brahmachari? There are many scientists who have been celibate and they exuded superior intellect so it might be true, kindly corroborate.
Is it harmful to remain celibate and not transmuting the sexual force, can such a practice lead to emotional or psychological disorder or genital cancer? Is following Brahmacharya the ONLY WAY to attain the Real Truth?
Regards
Protonuleus
Answer
1. Mere celibacy (abstinence from sexual intercourse) is of no use. It becomes harmful and dangerous to the body and mind. It is unnatural and goes against nature. Brahmacharya is a special mode of spiritual life where energy which is being dissipated as lust and passion is transmuted into something higher. It gives the greatest strength, bliss and ultimately liberation. The scientists you describe attained an automatic state of partial Brahmacharya by concentrated focus on their work. Their energy which might otherwise have dissipated as lust was channelized into scientific work. This resulted in an automatic form of partial Brahmacharya.
2. It is not possible to realize the ultimate truth without absolute Brahmacharya.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)